Picking Your Pad: An Insider's Guide to the Best Dorms at UC Davis
So, you got into UC Davis! CONGRATS! That's a huge deal. Now comes the next big question that’s probably swirling around in your head: where am I going to live? Choosing a dorm is one of the first major decisions you'll make as an Aggie, & it can feel a little overwhelming. Honestly, there's no single "best" dorm, but there's definitely a best dorm for you.
I'm here to give you the lowdown on the UC Davis dorm scene. We're going to dive deep into the three main housing areas – Tercero, Segundo, & Cuarto – & I'll give you the real talk on what it's like to live in each one. We'll cover the vibe, the food, the social scene, & all the little things that make a dorm feel like home.
The Big Three: Tercero, Segundo, & Cuarto
First things first, you should know that as a freshman, you don't get to pick your exact dorm building. Instead, you'll rank your preferences for the three main residential areas: Tercero, Segundo, & Cuarto. You can also opt into a Living Learning Community (LLC), which we'll get to later, & that can influence your placement.
Each area has its own distinct personality, so let's break them down.
Tercero: The Modern & Studious Hub
If you're a STEM major, you've probably already heard whispers about Tercero. It's located on the southwest side of campus, super close to the engineering, chemistry, physics, & biology buildings. This is a HUGE plus when you have an 8 a.m. lab & want to roll out of bed at the last possible second.
The Vibe:
Tercero is known for being the newest & most modern of the three housing areas. Many of the buildings are sleek, clean, & have that "new dorm smell." It's a massive area, housing around 3,500 students, so it's always bustling with activity. Because of its proximity to the science-heavy parts of campus, it tends to attract a lot of focused, studious students. That doesn't mean it's not social, but the vibe is definitely more "let's form a study group" than "let's party all night."
The Buildings:
Tercero is made up of fifteen residence halls. Some of the newer ones, like Madrone, Cottonwood, & Redwood, are particularly popular. Madrone, for instance, is praised for its spacious rooms (even the triples!), modern bathrooms, & big lounges. Potter Hall is another great option, known for its friendly RAs & clean facilities. A heads-up about Potter, though: it's at the far end of Tercero, so the walk to class can be a bit longer.
A unique feature of Tercero is the presence of community resource buildings like Wall Main & Olive Main, which offer study spaces & kitchens. This is important because not all the dorms have their own kitchens.
The Food:
Tercero has its own dining commons, the Tercero DC, which is conveniently located in the center of the housing area. It's a standard college dining hall, with a variety of options. But the REAL game-changer for Tercero residents is Latitude, a newer restaurant-style dining option that has seriously elevated the food scene in the area. You'll also find the Tercero Market for snacks & drinks.
The Cow Factor:
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room…or rather, the cow. Tercero is right next to the dairy barns. Yes, you will occasionally smell the cows. For some, it's a quintessential part of the Davis experience; for others, it's a bit of a drawback. Honestly, most students say you get used to it pretty quickly.
The Bottom Line on Tercero:
- Pros: New & modern buildings, close to STEM classes, great dining options with Latitude, lots of study spaces.
- Cons: Can smell the cows, a bit of a walk to the ARC (Activities & Recreation Center) & downtown, can feel a little sterile to some.
Segundo: The Social Butterfly's Paradise
If you're looking for that classic, social college dorm experience, Segundo might be your perfect match. Located on the northwest side of campus, it's got a lively, friendly atmosphere that makes it easy to meet new people.
The Vibe:
Segundo is all about community. The layout of the buildings, with their long hallways & central common areas, is designed to encourage interaction. It's known for being very social & having a strong sense of floor camaraderie. It's also super convenient, located right next to the ARC, the Rite Aid, Trader Joe's, & a bunch of restaurants in the University Mall.
The Buildings:
Segundo has a mix of older & newer buildings. The Regan Hall area is the oldest on campus, with buildings that are only a few stories high. While some find them a bit dated, others appreciate the cozier, more intimate feel. The high-rise buildings, like Gilmore, Bixby, Ryerson, & Malcolm, offer spacious double rooms with huge windows. Then there are the newest halls – Alder, Thompson, & Miller – which are similar to the modern dorms in Tercero & mostly consist of triples.
The Food:
The Segundo Dining Commons is a popular spot, & it's open until midnight, which is a lifesaver during late-night study sessions. They're famous for their late-night cookies! There's also the Segundo Market for grab-and-go items.
The Social Scene:
Segundo is arguably the most social of the three dorm areas. Its proximity to the ARC & the Pavilion makes it easy to get involved in campus activities & events. Plus, being close to downtown Davis means you're never far from the action.
The Bottom Line on Segundo:
- Pros: VERY social atmosphere, close to the ARC & downtown, great for making friends, convenient access to shops & restaurants.
- Cons: Some of the older buildings can feel a bit rundown, can be noisy at times, traditional long-hall style isn't for everyone.
Cuarto: The Suite Life & Quiet Escape
Cuarto offers a different kind of dorm experience. It's located a block northwest of Segundo, so it's the farthest from the main campus. But what it lacks in proximity, it makes up for in living arrangements.
The Vibe:
Cuarto is the quietest & most independent of the three housing areas. It's made up of three buildings – Shasta, Tahoe, & Yosemite – that are all suite-style. This means you'll have a small group of suitemates & share a bathroom & a small living room area. This setup is great for those who want a little more privacy & a more apartment-like feel.
The Buildings:
The suite-style living is the main draw of Cuarto. You'll share a bathroom with just a few other people, which is a major perk for many. The buildings are modern & well-maintained, with spacious common areas & even a fitness center. Cuarto also has its own swimming pools!
The Food:
The Cuarto Dining Commons is considered by many to have the best food on campus. It's a multi-level dining hall with a wide variety of options. There's also a Cuarto Market for quick bites.
The Location:
The biggest downside of Cuarto is its distance from campus. You'll definitely want to have a bike if you live here. However, it's very close to the University Mall, so you'll have easy access to Trader Joe's & other shops.
The Social Scene:
Cuarto can be a bit isolating for some, as the suite-style living doesn't foster the same kind of spontaneous interaction as the traditional dorms in Segundo. However, if you're proactive about getting to know your suitemates & neighbors, you can still have a great social life.
The Bottom Line on Cuarto:
- Pros: Suite-style living with semi-private bathrooms, great food, quieter atmosphere, modern buildings with great amenities.
- Cons: Farthest from campus, can be less social, you'll need a bike.
Living Learning Communities (LLCs): Finding Your Niche
Beyond the three main housing areas, UC Davis offers a fantastic program called Living Learning Communities, or LLCs. These are special communities within the residence halls where students with similar interests or academic goals live together.
There are a TON of LLCs to choose from, covering everything from specific majors like Engineering to shared interests like sustainability or the arts. There are also cultural LLCs, like the African & African American community or the Casa Cuauhtémoc (Chicanx-Latinx House).
Why Join an LLC?
Joining an LLC is an amazing way to find your people right from the start. You'll be surrounded by students who share your passions, which can make the transition to college so much easier. Many LLCs also offer special seminars, events, & workshops related to their theme. For example, the Engineering LLC is located in Kearney Hall in Tercero & offers a range of programs & activities for aspiring engineers. The Arts, Music & Performance LLC, located in Cottonwood Hall in Tercero, is a great option for creative students.
How to Apply for an LLC:
When you fill out your housing application, you'll have the option to indicate your interest in specific LLCs. If you're accepted into an LLC, you'll be placed in the designated residence hall for that community. This is one way to have a little more control over where you end up living.
A Quick Note on Parking & Storage
Living on campus is an amazing experience, but it can also be a little cramped. If you're bringing a car to campus, finding a convenient & affordable parking spot can be a real challenge. That's where a service like Prked comes in handy. Prked connects you with local homeowners who are renting out their driveways & garages for parking. It's a great way to find a secure spot for your car without breaking the bank.
And what about all your stuff? Dorm rooms aren't exactly known for their spaciousness. If you find yourself with more belongings than you have room for, you might want to consider a storage solution. Prked can also help with that! They connect people with homeowners who are renting out extra space in their garages, attics, basements, & even closets. It's a super convenient & affordable way to store your extra things, whether it's seasonal clothing, sports equipment, or just stuff you don't need every day.
The Final Verdict
So, what's the best dorm at UC Davis? The truth is, it depends on what you're looking for.
- If you're a STEM major who values modern amenities & a focused environment, Tercero is probably your best bet.
- If you're a social butterfly who wants to be in the heart of the action, you'll feel right at home in Segundo.
- If you crave a little more privacy & independence, the suite-style living in Cuarto is hard to beat.
No matter where you end up, remember that your dorm is just one part of your UC Davis experience. The friends you make, the classes you take, & the clubs you join will all play a much bigger role in shaping your time as an Aggie.
I hope this was helpful! Let me know what you think, & good luck with your housing decision
